Shaq turned down role in 'The Green Mile'

Shaquille O'Neal revealed he had the opportunity to star alongside Tom Hanks in the 1999 drama "The Green Mile" but passed on the film.

On the latest episode of "The Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast," O'Neal said he was offered the role of convict John Coffey, which ultimately went to Michael Clarke Duncan.

"I didn't want to play the down-South African American guy during slavery, you know what I mean? I didn't want to play that role," the NBA Hall of Famer said when asked why he turned it down.

"But the guy who played it did a wonderful job - he's no longer with us, he passed away. Michael Clarke Duncan did an excellent job, so I think I made the right decision because he did way better than I could have done. But I got offered that role."

Duncan, who passed away in 2012 at the age of 54, was nominated for an Academy Award for best supporting actor for his portrayal of Coffey in "The Green Mile." The film also received a nomination for best picture at the 2000 Academy Awards.

O'Neal's movie roles include "Kazaam," "Steel," and "Scary Movie 4."